The character of Ace is based on Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal , while Nicky Santoro is based on mobster Tony Spilotro .
The film is based on the non-fiction book Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas by Nicholas Pileggi, who also co-wrote the screenplay.
Set in the 1970s and 80s, the story follows Ace Rothstein, a professional gambler tapped by the Chicago Outfit to oversee the operations of the Tangiers Casino. His life becomes increasingly complicated by his volatile childhood friend and enforcer, (Nicky Santoro), and his self-destructive wife, Sharon Stone (Ginger McKenna). High-Definition Visual Highlights
Sharon Stone received an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe win for her performance as Ginger, which many consider the highlight of her career.